Professional Roof Ventilation Services in Pittsburgh
Summer Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is a key component of enhancing the life of your new shingle roof as well as the roof deck. A balanced ventilation system (equal or greater parts intake as compared to exhaust) allows the attic to be cooler in the summer- helping to make the living areas more comfortable, helping to reduce air conditioning costs, and prolonging the life of the roof.
Winter Ventilation
In the winter, proper attic ventilation can help prevent moisture build-up, aiding in the prevention of wood rot, mold, mildew, and poor air quality. Also, a uniformly-cool roof deck in the winter (along with good attic insulation) helps prevent the freeze-thaw cycle associated with snowfall that leads to ice dam formation.
How Does Attic Mold Look?
Intake & Exhaust
Intake is achieved through the use of soffit vents, vented drip edge, or shingle-over rooftop intake vent. Exhaust is achieved through: installing ridge vent at or near the peak of the roof; power roof fans (with thermostat and humidistat controls) on homes with little or no ridge; or box vents and wind turbines. Only ONE type of exhaust vent can be installed, so as not to short-circuit the ventilation system.
Balanced Ventilation
Due to recent upgrades to the technology and materials now used in the construction industry, leak barriers, felt underlayments, house wraps, etc. all create what is essentially an airtight building- air cant get in or out, leading to problems. It is crucial, therefore, that a properly-balanced ventilation system be installed with your new shingle roof.
